Clinton’s Thinking Vs. Trump’s Feelings
In the political arena, you can usually tell System 1 candidates by asking a single question: Do they seem to love running for president? Such candidates can also be polarizing. They might appeal to the System 1 of a large part of the electorate — but turn off another large part.
.. But in its entire history, the U. S. has never had a serious System 1 candidate like Donald Trump. Much of his success lies in the automatic favorable response that he triggers, at least within a substantial part of the Republican Party. Whether or not you’re for him, he’s funny and he’s quick. When he’s hit, he hits back. He’s punishing. System 1 likes that... There’s an old adage about speakers: You won’t remember what they said, but you’ll never forget how they made you feel. Trump knows that in his bones. He gives his supporters — and they are growing — a terrific feeling of safety and security, along with a laugh and a smile... But System 2 candidates have serious challenges of their own. Voters like to fall in love with presidential candidates, at least a little bit. System 2 candidates need to find a way to appeal on an emotional level. George H.W. Bush did that in 1988, with his reference to “a kinder, gentler nation.”.. But System 2 candidates beware: In politics, as in romance, System 1 can be immensely powerful.